St. Cyril’s Mom, Student Killed On Way To School

A mother, Anna Mentzer, and her 7 year old son, Ethan, were killed on Wednesday morning as they were walking to St. Cyril’s School, in Tucson, Arizona. Ms. Mentzer, a 1998 Salpointe alumna, was pronounced dead at the scene near Pima Street and Swan Road at about 8 a.m.

Ethan, a second grader at St. Cyrils, passed away at an area hospital.

The driver was not impaired and stayed on the scene. Authorities report that she said the sun was in her eyes.

St. Cyril’s Principal Ann Zeches released the following statement:

Dear Parents,

It is with a very, very heavy heart I pass onto you some tragic news. This morning two members of our community were tragically hurt in a pedestrian/car accident at Pima and Mountain View. Ms. Anna Mentzer and her son, Ethan, grade 2 were killed. First responders and the medical personnel at Banner UMC did all they could for both.

We have spoken to all our students on campus concerning the tragedy. At this time, the community at large has helped us locate counselors to talk with your children. These counselors will be available all day to any student. If you find this evening your child needs to speak with a counselor tomorrow, please let me know, and we will have grief counseling available.

At 2:30 PM Father Ron will be leading a prayer service in the church for our entire school. In times such as these, all of us are blessed to be able to come together as a community to pray for the family. Mountain View Road will be open prior to the start of the service.

I would like to thank Community Services, Salpointe, St. Augustine and San Miguel high schools for sending counselors and priests. Their presence on campus today was needed and a relief.